Pete Etters

Branch Manager at the Wilmington Branch

NMLS #1796

Wilmington News

From the downtown river district and Riverwalk that skirts the storied Cape Fear River to the new and modern facilities that are remaking the riverfront’s skyline, Wilmington, NC is a must-see southern destination. Rivaling Charleston and Savannah in its charm and history and voted America’s Best Riverfront, Wilmington serves as the portal to all this area has to offer.

Land Home as You Preferred Builder Lender

April 7, 2018

Land Home – Your “Preferred Builder Lender”

What we found working with many other builders is that they usually have their own lender and then a list of three preferred lenders to choose from if their in-house lender cannot approve them they select from the Alternative List. The problem we see is that list of three alternative lenders all do the same thing and in most cases the same the in house lender? That’s where we come in – we’re different and unique as you see below from most lenders!

Our company is a “Direct Seller Servicer” with Fanny, Freddy and Ginny and we service 90% of all our loans which means the customer stays with us and submits their payments to us directly. This allows us to make approvals on “make sense loans” instead or corresponding to another lender and following their guidelines because the loan is being sold to another lender.

We have no Overlays – when we pre-approve a Borrower, we follow the agency guidelines exactly to what the Automated Underwriting System approves and tells us.

Because we are a direct lender, our pricing is the top 4% of all lenders in our market.

We are a true Community Based Lender – which means we offer all the Down Payment Assistance programs for buyers that need them and we even offer own in House DPA program which gives 5% of the sale towards down payment and closing cost as a true gift no lien and no payback on purchase price up to $417,000.00 with a minimum 620 credit score.

Review the Comparisons and You’ll See Just “WHY” we are Better for You as a Builder

(LHFS) We allow Commission, Overtime & Bonus Income after 1 full year of client receiving them – (MOST LENDERS) Want 2 years of history to be qualified and allowed

(LHFS) We do not deduct 2106 Expenses on W2 Borrowers that do not receive Commission or Bonuses – (MOST LENDERS) Deduct the 2106 Business expenses against the Borrowers income

(LHFS) We allow part-time Job after 1 full year – (MOST LENDERS) Want 2 years of history

(LHFS) Conventional Loans: if the Borrower has 10 payments or less on revolving accounts and Installment accounts we do not count the debt – (MOST LENDERS) Only allow installment debt – not revolving

(LHFS) We allow revolving accounts to be paid down to zero and not close the account – (MOST LENDERS) Require the account to be closed

(LHFS) We do not require disputed accounts to be removed from the credit report; which will lower the credit score (MOST LENDERS) Require the disputed accounts to be removed

Additionally, we have a about a 70% conversion rate on “turn downs” from already built homes from the following builders: Lennar, Pulti, Park Square, KB Homes, DR Horton, Snow Construction, Meritage, Minto & Toll Brothers and am very confident we can do the same with your organization.

*Please note all percentages and statements are subject to change based on regulations that may arise. The use of hypothetical, predictive, and current statements, by Land Home Financial Services, are meant to illustrate current operation standards.

Real Estate and Housing Forecast 2018

April 3, 2018

The Housing Picture for 2018

National Association of Realtors

NAR reported existing home sales rose 3% in February. Nationally, 5.54 million units sold ending 2 months of declining sales. Housing inventory rose last month but is still down 8.1% from 12 months ago.

Housing inventory remains the most influential and persistent factor affecting prices although media and politicians blame speculation, building costs, interest rates, cost of living, and mortgage rules. When the economy is good people want homes. Construction is strong but can’t keep up. Simple rule of supply vs demand is driving home prices.

Ready to Choose a Realtor and Buy?

A perfect storm of demand, supply and economic factors are making Florida an excellent a great place to buy real estate. See the price projections for the major cities below.

The housing market in Tampa, Orlando, Panama City, Sarasota, Naples, Fort Lauderdale, and even Boca Raton are compelling real estate investment value propositions for snowbirds and other buyers in North America. As you’ll see, sunny and warm Florida home prices are quite reasonable.

Interest in buying Florida properties from buyers seems to grow and wane through the weeks and months. Although January and February are a lull in demand, the Florida economy is too strong to see that continue. The recent tax changes may discourage speculative investment for a while but buyers are now back.

The Florida housing market in 2017 was characterized by a lack of new construction, big price reductions on new condos, a disappearance of South American property buyers, softened house and condo prices, and of course, low taxation rates. If the glut of condo building in Miami is now complete, then we may see upward pressure on condo prices.

Choosing Your Florida Home Style

The variety of homes in Florida is astonishing. From modern 3 bedroom bungalows to condos in towering buildings to quaint beach houses to spacious multi-million dollar mansions, you can have your dream life, walk the beaches, shop for hours, and never have to shovel snow. For a lot of buyers, that’s a compelling value proposition.

With more baby boomers hoping to retire somewhere nice, and who have been holding onto their old home because they have nowhere to go, will find Florida a compelling value proposition in real estate investment.

8 Things to Consider Before you Buy a Home

March 23, 2018

When Buying a Home in Florida

Whether you’re buying a second home/vacation home or you’re considering moving to warm, sunny Florida, consider a few matter beforehand:

Can you afford to live in the region or neighborhoods you have targeted?

Which cities and neighborhoods are safe and pleasant to live in?

Summers are hot and humid. Can you take the heat and the indoor life?

Do you like golf, fishing, walking the beach, boating, and water sports?

How well can you run your business from Florida and how much back and forth travel will you need to do?

What is the actual cost of living?

How much will your mortgage payments be for the next 10 years?

Is there a true demand for your area of work/profession?

Some people love Florida and some don’t like it at all. If you could live there during the winter only, as many snowbirds from New York, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Washington do, it’s might be a no brainer. All you’d have to focus on is finding a home and getting it at a bearable price.

With the Florida economy rolling along nicely, there’s no reason to believe there is a downside to buying property in the Sunshine State. And sunshine is a key benefit for most buyers here.

Interest in Orlando and Tampa real estate has been particularly strong and that’s likely due to the lower prices. Even homes in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale are half the price as those in Miami.

However the economies in Tampa and Orlando are holding their own and drawing in new residents due to lower than expected prices on condos and homes.

2018 Conforming Loan Limits Rise

March 15, 2018

2018 Loan Limits Rise

The FHFA Raises Conforming Loan Limits from $424,100 to $453,100

U.S. home values expand and contract. Every year around the Thanksgiving holiday, the Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA) publishes their third quarter House Price Index (HPI) report. This report includes estimates for the increase to the U.S. median home value over the last four quarters (usually Q3 to Q3). Essentially, the FHFA measures the amount U.S. homes have appreciated over the past 12-month period.

Based on the HPI report, the FHFA will use the results, whether up, down or no change, to recommend an adjustment to the conforming loan limits. This is a corrective measure to ensure conforming loan amounts keep pace with home appreciation.

According to the FHFA’s 2018 seasonally adjusted expanded-data HPI report, home prices in the U.S. increased on average by 6.8% from the third quarter of 2016 to the third quarter of 2017. As a result, the baseline maximum conforming loan limit in 2018 will increase 6.8% from $424,100 to $453,100.

Why This Matters to Potential Home Buyers…

The 2018 loan limit increase provides an expansion to your conforming loan amount potential. In other words, the 2018 loan limit increase allows Lenders to lend more money to qualified buyers within the conforming classification.

So…

If you were home shopping this past summer and everything was too expensive for you to qualify for using a conforming loan – contact your local Land Home Mortgage Representative and ask them to take a second look at your loan application. The loan limit change may potentially increase the amount you can borrow and turn that “No” into “Yes-Approved!”.

And for folks still trying to decide if homeownership is the right move; now is a great time to schedule a no-cost, hassle-free homeownership check-in with a local Land Home Mortgage Representative.

Say “Yes!” to homeownership!

First Time Home Buyer Tips

March 8, 2018

1 Minute to Win it for the 1st Time Buyer

Start prepping as a first time home buyer immediately. Start saving money for upcoming expenses, you’ll need it. Find a community lender to help get you pre-approved. Be sure to pay close attention to the home inspection and bring another close friend or family member for a second opinion. Offer to help people move so when it’s your time to move you’ll have help. It’s also important to not buy furniture right away. Know what you can change and what you can’t, remember that you buy a neighborhood when you buy a home. Here at Land Home Financial Orlando, we are excited to help you fulfill your new home dreams.

Stay Within Budget When Buying a House

March 7, 2018

5 Budgeting Tips

A house is likely to be the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make. And if you’ve waited a long time for this day to come, you’ve undoubtedly thought about the features you desire – maybe you’re craving a huge master bedroom with walk-in closets, or perhaps a gourmet kitchen. We’ve listed five budgeting tips for you to follow that will help you out.

While you don’t want to skimp on the amenities you love, adding too many can drive up the cost and destroy your budget. By thinking about your long-term financial goals and assessing your budget before you buy, you can score the home you want without experiencing buyer’s remorse.

1. Establish a Firm Price Limit and a List of “Must Haves”

When you’re pre-approved for a mortgage, your bank determines how much they think you can afford to spend on a house. But don’t assume the number they provide is the amount you should spend.

Go online and use a mortgage calculator – after you enter a sale price, a loan term, and interest rate, the calculator estimates your monthly payment, including home-owners insurance, property taxes, and private mortgage insurance. Also, research whether there are other expenses you’ll need to work into your budget after buying a home.

For instance, association dues, a lawn or pest service or possible higher utilities; these costs can really add up and eat into your monthly budget. If you decide in advance which amenities are “must-haves” and which would simply be nice to have, you’ll be in a better position to stay within budget when you start looking at homes.

2. Keep Tabs on Your Real Estate Agent

I’ve had only positive experiences with my real estate agents, but not everyone is as lucky. Good agents respect your finances and only show you homes you can afford.

That being said, some agents may try to push the envelope and recommend properties outside your price point. Be firm and stick to your guns.

3. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

It’s very easy to fall into the cycle of “compare and despair.” This is a nasty cycle to fall into, especially when it comes to buying a home. A house isn’t a pair of shoes or an expensive handbag – if you overspend when buying a house, it isn’t easy to recover from the mistake.

Rather than obsessing over the fact that your friend bought a house with an outdoor kitchen, offer your congratulations, and then get excited about what your budget can do for you. Maybe you’ll have four bedrooms instead of two, or you’ll have a gas oven instead of an electric one. Then, think about the ways you’ll benefit from staying within your budget, such as maintaining a healthy vacation or a retirement fund or starting a college fund for your kids.

4. Avoid Bidding Wars

Competing with other buyers is no picnic, and to win a bidding war, you often have to increase your offer. This isn’t necessarily bad, as long as you’re able to stay within budget – however, bidding wars can get out of hand quickly.

If you get caught in a bidding frenzy, you could end up spending more than you want. Decide how much you’re willing to pay for a particular house in advance, and resist the urge to exceed that limit. In other words, be willing to walk away.

5. Bid on Houses That Aren’t Selling

Some buyers shy away from homes that have been on the market for a long time, assuming that there must be some hidden defect. But sometimes, a home’s inability to sell is much more simple. For instance, maybe it just has bad curb appeal, or there’s too much inventory in a particular market.

Therefore, it is important that you do not automatically rule out a house just because it has been sitting for a long time. If anything, seek out these houses. The seller is probably motivated and willing to drop the asking price to move the property.

Even if the seller isn’t willing to drop the price, there are still more opportunities for negotiation when a home has been on the market for months. If you can identify the reason the property hasn’t sold, then you can ask the seller to reduce the home’s asking price or provide a cash allowance for the fix.

If you’re still concerned about possible hidden defects, state in your bid that the offer is subject to a satisfactory home inspection – which is a good idea no matter what.

Final Word

Staying within budget when buying a house takes discipline, so you must approach the buying process with care. Know what you’re willing to spend, and refuse to look at homes listed above your budget. If you’re unable to find a suitable property after a few weeks or months, revisit your budget to see if you have any wiggle room. If not, hold out – it’s only a matter of time before the right house comes along.

5 Tips to Home Buying in 2018

March 1, 2018

Want Some Home Buying Tips from the Experts?

Buying a home is like competing in a mud run, naked while planning a wedding at the same time. It’s taxing, it will make you feel vulnerable, it has its ups-and-downs, and it isn’t always fair. But – for those willing to take the plunge, bare their financial assets, and compete for their own backyard – home ownership is one of the most rewarding financial achievements of a lifetime.

When buying a home: Tip 1 – Select a qualified, knowledgeable loan officer and develop a down payment savings plan.

*Myth 1 – Only low-income individuals can qualify for down payment assistance programs. Down payment assistance programs are for a variety of individuals who meet various qualifying standards. These programs are designed to make homeownership possible for all who meet the qualifications and are able and willing to try.

Credit Scores – What should my credit score be to buy a home?

When applying for a home loan, your credit score has a direct effect on the interest rate of your loan. Generally, the lower your credit score the higher your interest rate; the higher your credit score the lower your interest rate.

While you don’t need a high credit score to purchase a home, generally a higher score will help keeps your mortgage costs lower than if you were to have a lower score.

Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved – What’s the difference and which is better?

Most mortgage lenders offer prospective homebuyers two different options when it comes to their commitment to lend – a Pre-Qualification letter and a Pre-Approval letter.

A Pre-Qualification letter is simply a document stating you have submitted the necessary financial documentation (usually the last two years of W2s/Tax Returns, recent Bank Statements, and your Driver’s License) for review and you “qualify” for the requested loan amount.

The pre-qualified amount is based on the customer’s perceived debt-to-income ratio (DTI), their financial assets, and credit score.

In a competitive home buying market, as we are in today, home sellers want to see a Pre-Approval letter before accepting an offer on their home. The reason is that a lender’s Pre-Approval letter is basically one step away from a full fledge loan commitment and usually translates into a quick and straightforward closing process.

Buying a Home: Tip 3 – Get Pre-Approved!

A qualified, knowledgeable Loan Officer assisting you to select the best loan package for your situation. Many factors go into the cost of your loan and poor choices up front can cost you a lot in the long run.

Real Estate Agents – Do I really need one to buy a home?

A qualified, experienced and reliable Real Estate Agent can often be the difference between getting your dream home or not. However, we will be the first to tell you – not all Real Estate Agents are created equal. Do your homework, and interview at least three different Real Estate Agents before selecting one.

Often, Loan Officers will have plenty of Real Estate Agent references they can share with you.

A Realtor has the full backing of the National Association of Realtors. and working with a Realtor provides the customer the security of knowing the agent they have chosen, answers to a National Association in terms of ethics, educational standards, and legal backing.

For informational purposes, most experts are predicting an increase in the base rate for a conventional 30-year fixed mortgage. This isn’t surprising given the historic lows mortgage rates experienced in 2015 and 2016. Again, while many factors affect mortgage interest rates, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the baseline rate for a 30-year fixed conventional mortgage is expected to increase to 4.6 percent in 2018, 5.0 percent in 2019 and 5.3 percent in 2020.

2018 is a Fantastic Year for the First-Time Home Buyer to Purchase a Home

It is getting easier than ever to qualify for a mortgage which is due to several factors: Mortgage Lenders have begun accepting lower down payments, the debt-to-income ratios (also known as DTI) used to qualify for most mortgages became more forgiving last year and future home prices are expected to level off.

Best of luck and happy house hunting!

*Please note all pricing, percentages, and fees are subject to change and are based on personal circumstances. The use of hypothetical, predictive, and forecast statements, by Land Home Financial Services and noted third parties, is meant to illustrate possible outcomes and is not intended to be a statement of facts nor an endorsement of validity.

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Actively Involved in Improving Communities

Take Care of Our Heroes

Specializing in VA Loans for more than 30 years and a VA Automatic Lender.

We Believe in Maintaining Long-Term Relationships

We retain close to 90% of the loans we originate, currently serving over $5 billion in residential loans so you don’t have to deal with a third-party.

Meet with a Real Person When You Need Help or Have Questions

Our Florida loan officers are currently operating within 10 branches located in Orlando, Kissimmee, Tampa, Sarasota, Spring Hill, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Boca Raton, Jupiter and Boynton Beach. We are licensed in 50 states, including the District of Columbia.

Realtor Partner Benefits

February 12, 2018

Need a Realtor? We Have a Trusted Partner for You!

Land Home Orlando understands that marketing is essential ingredient, so we’ve designed a package of Realtor Partner Benefits created to assist our Realtor’s success. We know the real estate industry and the challenges you face and how to help overcome these obstacles. Land Home has developed a wide variety of co-marketing materials to sell listings while generating new ones. We provide our Realtor Partners a comprehensive list of materials and marketing services.

Check Out What Land Home Orlando will do for Our Realtors:

From Start to finish we are able to support the needs of our realtors with our Realtor Toolbox including: Open House Flyers, Call Center Campaigns, Loan Programs Flyers, Email Marketing, Door Hangers, Lead Generation Postcards, Postcard Mailings (listings & sold homes), Homebuyer Seminar Presentations & Home Buying Tips.

A Positive Review of Reverse Mortgages

February 6, 2018

Let’s Say Something Positive About Reverse Mortgages

The concept of a reverse mortgage is perhaps a bit counterintuitive. It can come with misconceptions–most founded by inaccurate information. Is a Reverse Mortgage for you? That’s really a question for your loan officer prior to counseling or the HUD counselor. We hope to shed a little light into the process and give you an idea about the benefits that can come with a Reverse Mortgage.

Similar but Different

A Reverse Mortgage turns a homeowner’s equity into cash without the need to refinance the property or obtain a conventional home equity line of credit (HELOC). A HELOC is a line of credit that uses the home as collateral and if used, requires monthly payments the homeowners must make. Similar but different, is a cash out refinance. In a cash-out refinance, homeowners can refinance an existing mortgage and take out some extra cash and use it in whatever way they wish. Still, in both instances, it’s a new loan with new monthly payments. A HELOC and cash out refinance are loan types for those who are “house rich” but maybe just a bit “cash poor” but can still afford to make monthly payments.

A Reverse Mortgage doesn’t require monthly mortgage payments. Typically, the only time a payment is made is when the borrower(s) ultimately leave the property, and the home is no longer the primary residence. They can always choose to make monthly payments of whatever amount they want, a little or a lot, but that is a choice, not a requirement. The funds from a Reverse Mortgage can be accessed through taking a lump sum, a line of credit or monthly payments for as long as the borrower(s) live in the home. The monthly installments can last the life of the loan or for a predetermined number of months, all the borrower’s choice. FHA also allows a combination of all 3, line of credit, lump sum, and monthly payments.

Here are the basic eligibility requirements for a Reverse Mortgage:

The borrower(s) must be at least 62 years of age
The property is the borrower(s) primary residence
The property must have sufficient equity
The borrower(s) must attend a counseling session with a Reverse Mortgage counselor
The borrower(s) must be able to demonstrate a reasonable credit history
The borrower(s) must be able to demonstrate they have sufficient income to cover property taxes and insurance
The last 2 requirements were added in 2015; borrowers must be able to keep their property taxes paid and the collateral insured as well as show responsible credit history. If that seems questionable, there is an option to establish a lifetime set aside (LESA) to ensure those charges are paid and the consumer is protected. Lenders will review the borrower’s monthly required obligations and compare that with the amount of disposable income as well as make certain the Reverse Mortgage is a sustainable solution. Unlike regular mortgages, there is no “debt to income” requirement with a Reverse Mortgage, so it is substantially easier to qualify. If there is an existing mortgage on the property, proceeds from the reverse are used to pay off the mortgage and eliminate existing monthly mortgage payments.

Reverse Mortgage loan amounts will vary based upon the age of the youngest borrower on the application. Generally speaking, the older the borrower, the more money can be issued. The property will also be appraised just like with any other FHA mortgage. The age of the borrower(s) and the amount of equity in the property are the two main line items a reverse lender will evaluate per a formula set down by the FHA. Visit our Reverse Mortgage calculator to get a rough idea of how much you will qualify for.

The “Two-Thumbs-Up” for Reverse Mortgages

The most compelling reason to get a Reverse Mortgage is to turn equity into tax-free cash while still living in the property. Interest accrues on disbursed funds and is directly tied to an index, such as a 1 Year or Monthly London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus a margin (typically 2-3%) and is only paid at a maturity event a.k.a. the sale of the property or six months after the homeowners leave the home. And, the proceeds are tax-free! Yet, please remember you still have to pay property taxes and keep your home insured.

A Reverse Mortgage doesn’t “sell” the property to the lender. The homeowners remain on the title and still own the home. A reverse gets rid of an existing mortgage, therefore eliminating monthly mortgage payments. Heirs are not held liable to pay off the full reverse loan balance should the payoff exceed the value of the home and any remaining equity will flow to the heirs just like any other mortgage.

But, Before The Reverse gets Best Picture…

There really aren’t too many negatives with a reverse but there are some considerations. The value of the inheritance can fall as the reverse needs to be paid off and loan fees may be a bit higher compared to a regular mortgage. Some lenders will cover some or all of those fees, and those that are not paid by the lender are deducted at the closing table. When accessing home equity, it’s important to understand all the financial consequences, and these consequences will be reviewed during counseling, but it may also make sense to speak with your financial adviser to make sure you understand the impact a Reverse Mortgage can have on your estate.

Overall, a Reverse Mortgage is a great option used to access your home equity without having to sell your home, and without any monthly mortgage payments. If you’re curious or know someone who this might benefit, it’s time to call a Reverse Mortgage lender today. And remember, like a friendly movie review from your sister, all opinions are valuable, they just might not be the most accurate or applicable. In other words, see that movie you think you might like, or in this case, look into a reverse, it just might be what you are looking for.

*The above advertisement has not been approved or endorsed by FHA or any other government agency.

*Please note all pricing, percentages and fees are subject to change and are based on personal circumstances. The use of hypothetical statements are meant to illustrate possible outcomes and are not intended to be a statement of facts.

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Land Home Financial Services, Inc. is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. The rates, loan programs, fees, options and guidelines in any loan scenario shown: (i) are for illustrative purposes only; (ii) are subject to change without notice; (iii) are subject to restrictions; (iv) will not apply to all borrowers or situations; and (v) do not represent a commitment to lend. Contact a Mortgage Loan Originator for details. Land Home operates only in states where it is authorized to conduct business./Branch location: /1000 N. Magnolia Ave, Suite B, Orlando, FL 32803. NMLS #1489961. Licensed by the FL Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) (Mortgage Lender Servicer Branch License #MLDB4582); CA Department of Business Oversight (DBO) under the Residential Mortgage Lending Act (#41DBO-65299), DBO telephone 866-275-2677. Corp. NMLS #1796.To view states licenses go to NMLS Consumer Access
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. No mortgage loan applications for properties located in the state of New York will be accepted through this site.